Classical Cretan Lyra Characteristics

Written By Yiorgos Kaloudis
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The technical characteristics of the traditional Cretan Lyra had to be significantly altered:

  • Adding the 4th (Low C), string, to perform classical compositions.

  • Fingerboard width  

  • Bridge length 

  • Length of the sound post 

  • Length of the strings 

  • Litters of the main body, to support the low frequencies of the Low C string from 130 Hz

C - STRING 

The low C string added by Yiorgos Kaloudis is the low C string of the cello. Yiorgos uses cello strings to interpret these works. The Classical Cretan Lyra sounds an octave higher than the cello, and has the same tuning with the viola.

CLEFS 

The low C 4th-string and the adjustment of the left-hand technique, advanced the tonal extension of the Cretan Lyra, (5 octaves), allowing a performer to use all of the three Clefs, F-Clef, C-Clef and G-Clef, according to his/her studies.

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SYMPATHETIC STRINGS

Υiorgos uses Sympathetic strings on the Classical Cretan Lyra, to amplify the harmonics and the resonance of the instrument. 

An extension was designed above the 4th Low C string. This protruded beyond the side of the string and outside of the fingerboard, while placed on the instrument's head to fit 8 new bass Sympathetic strings.

CRETAN LYRA MAKER

The lyra that Kaloudis envisioned was an evolution of the traditional Cretan Lyra “Lyraki”. The design of a teardrop-a shape that has been used in the construction of musical instruments since ancient times! A teardrop shape combines concentric circles, a symbol of eternity and continuation like a pebble dropped into a still pond, causing ripples, much like sound-waves. 

Consequently sharp corners, sharp cuts, and square-shapes that would prevent the diffusion of the harmonics in its sound, have been avoided, giving the final tear-like shape. Additionally, the instrument consists only of wooden parts for maximum resonance. 

In 2004 he shared his idea for the creation of the 4-stringed (Low C) Cretan Lyra with sympathetic strings with the instrument maker Stelios Petrakis, who crafted his first model.

Later on, in 2011, after two years of research and adjustments, he collaborated with the instrument maker Dimitris Hill, concluding his second and final model on 2013.

The novel instrument that Yiorgos Kaloudis presents as the Classical Cretan Lyra. 

Yiorgos Kaloudis http://www.yiorgoskaloudismusic.com
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